Rugby-Southern hemisphere players endorse law amendments

CAPE TOWN, July 22 (Reuters) - Australian, New Zealand and South African rugby players have voted overwhelmingly in favour of the experimental law variations (ELVS) introduced in the Super 14 and the Tri-nations tournaments this year.

A poll conducted by players' assocations from the three nations seeking the opinions of 264 players found 83 percent thought the ELVS had a positive impact on the game and 88 percent thought they had created more continuity.

The ELVS are designed to speed up play with a series of amendments to the current rules, including downgrading several offences which now incur penalties to free kicks.

Teams can not kick goals from free kicks. (Reporting by Zelim Nel; Editing by John Mehaffey)